DARLINGTON have made their first new signings since the end of the season with three players putting pen to paper.

Arran Wearmouth and Jordan Watson have both been persuaded to leave Blyth Spartans by Quakers manager Martin Gray, while Lewis Nightingale has also joined from Farsley Celtic.

Wearmouth’s recruitment is no surprise as Gray tried to sign the former Bishop Auckland forward towards the end of the season, while left-back Watson arrives having played a full part in Spartans’ season which ended in second place behind Darlington.

Blyth ended on 99 points, five behind Quakers, and lost their play-off semi-final to Workington, but Wearmouth and Watson will make the step up to the National League North after signing two-year contracts.

Gray said: “Arran’s someone that has improved every year, a bit like the lads that have been with me at Darlington from day one.

“He did his bit at Bishop Auckland in the Northern League as a young lad and did ever so well, then went to Blyth and got better with age just as my lads have, so I see him in the same ilk.

“He’s played in the NPL for two or three years now and become a better player. He’s now a young man rather than a boy.

“He’s a big lad, 6ft 2” or 6ft 3” and can play down the middle up front, and can also play in wide areas.”

Wearmouth, 24, and Watson, 23 both played against Darlington this season, Quakers winning 2-1 at home and 1-0 away.

Wearmouth said: "Delighted to have signed for Darlington. Can't wait to get started, is it pre-season yet?"

Watson comes to Darlington having been a regular in Tom Wade’s team since replacing namesake Ian Watson at left-back when he joined Quakers in October 2014.

“I think Tom Wade has changed his number now,” joked Gray.

“Blyth’s defensive record was very good this year, they were up there with us.

“Jordan didn’t miss a game all season in a Blyth team that has pushed us to the limit and he’s another free transfer, so that’s a no-brainer for me because he will strengthen the squad.

“Sunderland brought him over from Ireland when he was 16, he’s broken into the Irish under-21 team and comes to us at a really good time in terms of where we’re going as a club.”

Wade said: "Jordan and Arran have been great servants to Blyth Spartans and have played a massive part in getting the club to where it is today. I admire and respect their ambition and desire to play at the highest possible level. I wish them all the best for the future and they’re always welcome back at Croft Park.”

Nightingale, 25, who has also signed for two years, was voted into the Evo-Stik First Division North's team of the year having scored 21 goals 48 appearances for Farsley this season.

“He’s got a good pedigree, he’s a nice age now and is very much an attacking midfield player with flair,” said Gray.

“We’ve had him watched a few times, our scouts have seen him and people I’ve spoken to are very positive.

“I’ve watched him once and watched his highlights online. He scored an unbelievable goal against Spennymoor when he took everybody on and he’ll be a great addition to the squad.

“We need a bigger, stronger squad and that’s what these three players are about.”

In March Chorley, of the National League North, the division Darlington play in next season, were reported to have been turned down by Nightingale in their attempt to sign the player, while Scarborough Athletic were also believed to have been interested.

Nightingale was with Huddersfield Town as a youngster but did not make a senior appearance and was released in the summer of 2010 at the end of his first year as a pro.

At the start of the 2010-11 season he joined Bradford Park Avenue before moving onto Farsley for the first time, then Harrogate RA, Curzon Ashton and Goole prior to linking up with Mossley in December 2012.

He returned to Farsley in the summer of 2014 and in September of that year played in a 1-1 draw at Heritage Park, when Quakers conceded a very late equaliser after a mistake by goalkeeper Peter Jameson, but was an unused sub later in the campaign when Darlington lost 3-2 at the Throstle Nest.

Nightingale said tonight: "Delighted to have signed for Darlington, looking forward to the challenge ahead and can't wait to get going."

Gray says there will be more signings to come this summer, including a goalkeeper to challenge Peter Jameson.